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How to Disable OneDrive Personal Vault: Step-by-Step Guide

Richard

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The post illustrates how to disable the OneDrive Personal Vault feature. OneDrive’s Personal Vault offers an extra layer of security with robust authentication but can be disabled by the user. However, disabling it results in the permanent deletion of all files, folders, and previously deleted items from the Vault, rendering it empty, even upon reactivation.

This post explains how to turn off or disable the OneDrive Personal Vault feature.

We showed you how to set up OneDrive Personal Vault in Windows 11 a few days ago. Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive that you can only access with a robust authentication method or a second step of identity verification, such as your fingerprint, face, PIN, or a code sent to you via email or SMS. 

Your locked files in Personal Vault have an extra layer of security, keeping them more secure if someone gains access to your account or device.

If you set up your OneDrive Personal Vault and want to disable or turn it off, the steps below will show you how.

When you disable your Personal Vault, it will delete the Personal Vault folder from your OneDrive. As a result, all files, folders, and any items you previously deleted from the Personal Vault will be permanently deleted and cannot be restored from the recycle bin.

Disable your OneDrive Personal Drive

As mentioned above, users can disable or turn off their OneDrive Personal Vault anytime. However, if they do, all files, folders, and any items you previously deleted from the Personal Vault will be permanently deleted and cannot be restored from the recycle bin.

When you re-enable your Vault, it will remain empty.

Here’s how to do that.

First, open your OneDrive account page online and sign in with your Microsoft account, if not already.

Then, click the Settings (gear) icon and select Options.

OneDrive settings options

Then select Personal Vault in the left pane, and click Verify your identity to access your Vault.

OneDrive online verify identity

Once your identity has been identified, click the Disable link to disable your Vault.

OneDrive online disable personal vault

Confirm that you want to disable, then click Disable.

Disable OneDrive Personal Vault

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Turning off or disabling OneDrive Personal Vault in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves accessing your OneDrive account settings online.
  • Disabling the Personal Vault will delete the folder from your OneDrive, permanently removing any files, folders, or items previously deleted from the Vault.
  • If you decide to re-enable the Vault later, it will be empty.
  • Remember that once disabled, the files and folders from the Personal Vault cannot be restored from the recycle bin.
Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

One response to “How to Disable OneDrive Personal Vault: Step-by-Step Guide”

  1. James Avatar
    James

    I have no disable button.

    Reply

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